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Thursday, May 31, 2012

In a future world where internet connections feed directly into the consumer’s brain, thought is supplemented by advertising banners, and language has gone into a steep decline, a little love story unfolds. Titus, an average kid on a weekend trip to the moon, meets Violet, a brainy girl who has decided to try to fight the feed. Assaulted by a hacker who interrupts their connection, they struggle to understand what has happened to them – and to everyone around them. -Back o' the Book

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this book. I've read it more times than I can remember and just thinking about it makes me want to read it again. It takes some time to get used to the jargon used in the futuristic setting but after a while it starts to make sense.

This book is all about consumerism and the degradation of language and writing (most kids growing up don't know how to write with their hands, thanks to their feed they are connected to). I found this book to be a warning sign for the direction we as a nation and as a species are heading to. Very powerful stuff if you stop to think about it and not just read the words. I've forced my sister to read this and now she is in love with it too and rereads it occasionally.

The one downside to it is the amount of foul language ridden throughout the book, although it's just another example of the degradation of society that takes place.

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow's parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy, one sensitive, soulful boy, discovers Willow's secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the "safe" world Willow has created for herself upside down. -Back o' the Book

The subject of this book is very sensitive but I like reading books like that. I have to say, however, that the characters and the way it was written was a little too dramatic for me. Not even the good kind of dramatic but the middle school "my life is horrible" kind of stuff. Willow did go through a lot and she was justified in her pain but after a while I wanted to smack her and tell her to accept the help and get better. I know I'm a hypocrite when I say that but maybe if the characters were more mature I would be a little more forgiving.

It was an alright book. Definitely for a younger group (just not too young). I don't think I would recommend it to many people, but who knows, you may just love it.

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck... A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands. - Back o' the Book

I thought this book had a very interesting premise, it reminded me of The Lovely Bones, which I should also do a review on. I was curious how the author would pace it since Mia is almost dead and just floating around but she brought you back to many flashbacks of her life. I would say this was beautifully written and hard to put down. The main character was very different from most female leads to see in Young Adult novels. It is pretty sad in some areas and I found myself torn, just like her, about whether she should stay or go.

I would recommend this to older YA readers since there are some gory scenes and death is a bit of a touchy subject.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions. Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP. For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human. -Back o' the Book

This book had me gripped from the first page. I seriously did not want to put this one down. I was careful to try and not read it right before bed because it is a little creepy. I wasn't totally sold on the book description but once I realized what it was all about, I knew this was my kind of book!
The main character was someone I could relate to and I liked the fact that she can really take care of herself (especially since her cop father taught her all the right things about guns and how to handle them). This is the first in a trilogy which I thought strange because most post-apocalyptic book don't have sequels for obvious reasons. I can say that I can't wait for the next book to come out in a few months because I really became emotionally invested in the characters and their story. One of my favorites!

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.- Back o' the Book

I've been in a reading frenzy these last couple weeks but so far this is my favorite! Filled with great characters and a best friend that actually made me laugh, this book was hard to put down. I probably digested the thing in about four hours and I'm definitely going for book 2. Some scenes between Nora and bad boy Patch had my heart all a flutter like I was in the book.
I thought it was going to be mostly romantic and teen angst but there is a good amount of mystery in there that kept me guessing the whole time, not ever positive of who to trust (much like poor Nora). Especially well written, I'd say this is one hot novel that really got my blood boiling, in a good way. *wink wink*

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime. She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control. Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant... - Back o' the Book

I thought this one was very well written and easy to read. The writing style was different in a way that it seemed like quick thoughts coming from Janie's mind. It zipped by but held my attention. I was pulled through this story as fast paced as it was and I really enjoyed it. It seemed not too far fetched and I really liked Janie's character.
Very quick, very engrossing. I do believe I will be getting the next book in the series.

The most tragic love story in history . . . Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But Romeo didn't anticipate that Juliet would be granted eternal life, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, Juliet has struggled to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent, while Romeo has fought for the dark side, seeking to destroy the human heart. Until now. Now Juliet has found her own forbidden love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy their happiness. - Back o' the Book

As a fan of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, I couldn't help but get this. I was never much into Romeo but it was written so beautifully that it became an instant favorite. This book is much much later. The premise was interesting but the execution was not what I has expected. There were interesting characters all very diverse in personality and voice and it kept me guessing.
I could almost say there were a little too many twists or "rules" to the book. I can't exactly explain that because there is a whole intricate system of the "higher beings" in the book that was very confusing and not much light was shed on the subject. I think it made for a good read and if you're a fan of romance then this would be a nice addition to your collection.

Phoebe Kendall is just your typical Goth girl with a crush. He’s strong and silent…and dead.All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn't want them. The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the “differently biotic." But the students don’t want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn't breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the “living impaired” from the people who want them to disappear—for good. When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy? - Back o' the Book

Despite the obviously cheesy cover (in my opinion) I picked up this book at a second hand store because of the back. I thought it was a pretty interesting concept and it caught my interest enough to want to know how this was going to play out. It was a pretty easy read and it was in a high school setting so it wasn't the most complicated of dialogue. I must say I wan't a fan of Phoebe's crush (the dead guy). He was a deep thinker when you get to know him more but I was not endeared towards him at all. Some of the supporting characters were a little flat, her best friend was the typical bumbling silly/loud best friend that usually accompanies thoughtful female leads.
Although it was a little young in audience for my taste, it did hold my interest the whole way through and I really couldn't guess what was going to happen in the end. There are more books in the series and I may or may not buy them. I'm not totally invested in the characters but maybe when I have free time or when I get through my large book list.

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn't understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love. - Back o' the Book

I had heard a lot of hoopla about this book before I finally gave in an bought it. It's definitely a love story but it has a some interesting underlying messages. The fact that love was a disease was an interesting concept but the world she created seemed a little flimsy, but that may just be me. The main character, Lena, was very interesting. She seemed to be flat lining on the character dynamic level and then all of a sudden, she shot up as soon as she falls in love.
I liked the second half of the book best, before she was kind of a weenie. The concept was cool, there were some interesting characters and plot twists so it was a good attention holder. All in all, I'd say it was a pretty good book, and I know I will be purchasing the next in the series as soon as it is released. Now, off to the next book!

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her. Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life. - Back o' the Book

You may have noticed a trend in my book reviews: post apocalyptic and dystopian societies. I'm not sure why I'm attracted to these but I just can't get enough. Eve is the first book in what I am assuming is a trilogy and the ending of the first book definitely leads one to think so. To be honest, I was slightly disappointed. The synopsis of the book led me to think it would head in a different direction and I wasn't very attached to any of the characters. I'm not sure if this will be the case where they mature and grow in the following books but at the moment, I was emotionally un-invested in any of the characters and had little or no sympathy for them. It's a quick, easy read and definitely has an interesting premise, I just wasn't thrilled with the execution.

For twenty-five years, civilization has survived in meager enclaves, guarded against a plague of the dead. Temple wanders this blighted landscape, keeping to herself and keeping her demons inside her heart. She can't remember a time before the zombies, but she does remember an old man who took her in and the younger brother she cared for until the tragedy that set her on a personal journey toward redemption. Moving back and forth between the insulated remnants of society and the brutal frontier beyond, Temple must decide where ultimately to make a home and find the salvation she seeks. - Back o' the Book
If you're not really into zombies, don't worry, it's not super focused on them and if you are really into zombies, it has enough action to keep you interested. It's been described as a "Southern Gothic". I must say, I almost returned this to the library due to her slight southern accent (yes, that sometimes annoys me) but I stuck with it and I loved it! Temple is an interesting character, she has the body of a 16 year old but a mind that is mature beyond her years. She never knew a world before the dead walked the earth so she grows up focused on survival and going with the flow of life. She has very interesting perspectives on nature, God, and even the zombies that plague the earth.
It has a little bit of mature content so I wouldn't suggest it to young folks, but this book is on my list of favorites. I wont ruin the ending, but I'll just say I loved it! This comes highly recommended.

Daelyn has suffered major psychological damage from years of being bullied. The torment and embarrassment she received because of her weight started her downhill slide into despair. Daelyn has lost her desire to live and failed at several attempts to end her life. Her latest failure has left her unable to talk and on 24-hour suicide watch. Her parents barely trust her to go to school. Daelyn is biding her time. She only has 23 days until her Date of Determination. She discovers the Through the Light website on accident, but finds it to be a welcome change of pace to the other suicide websites and discussion boards she’s visited in the past. Instead of preaching and warning her against her decision, the website provides rational and informational posts and discussions about ending her life. - Back o' the Book
You may have read that and thought "Oh my gosh, that sounds horrible!" You're right, it does, but I loved the book. At almost 200 pages, this is a quick read and utterly engrossing. I had a very hard time putting it down. Although it deals with a very touchy subject, it is beautifully written. It is very blunt and the main character goes through some horrible bullying so you really feel for her. Her development is subtle but all pulls together at the end. I found her likable and real which made the story and situation believable.
To say I enjoy depressing books is an understatement and this one was undeniably depressing; however, it does leave you with a good feeling and helps you appreciate the life and time you have been given. I won't spoil the ending but it was enough closure to satisfy. It's a quick book so you won't be trapped in the dreariness for too long and I would say it's worth it in the end.

Divergent by Veronica RothIn Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. - Back o' the Book

To begin, I'd like to say this makes it onto my Top Favorites list! This booked sucked me in from page one and I had a very hard time putting it down. I spent a couple nights into the wee hours of the morning pouring through this but it was well worth the baggy eyes.
The main character, Beatrice, starts out as this seemingly young, lost, indecisive character with tons of room to grow. I had a hard time creating what she looked like in my brain but then again, there was a whole lot more to be engrossed by. Beatrice makes a choice that changes her whole life and puts her through difficulties she could only imagine.
My most favorite aspect about this book is the fact that the character makes a complete change. The girl she was in the beginning grows and blossoms in such a unique way. I'm usually pretty good about guessing the outcome of a character before the end of the book, but Beatrice took off in an unsuspected was and does not stop growing and surprising you till the very last page.
This book is great for both girls and guys and the age group can be from young adult on up. I would categorize it as an "Action Adventure" type story with plenty of violence, humor, rising tension and just a tad bit of romance. Definitely, I recommend this to anyone looking for a great read!

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadaversby Mary RoachFor 2,000 years, cadavers -- some willingly, some unwittingly -- have been involved in science's boldest strides and weirdest undertakings. Stiff is an oddly compelling, often hilarious exploration of the strange lives of our bodies postmortem. - Back o' the Book

Although this book may seem morbid to someone who just picked it off the shelf, I'd say it was one of the funniest books I have ever read, hands down. There were parts in there that had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Mary Roach has the extreme talent of taking a taboo subject and making it more interesting, less uncomfortable, and ten times more humorous.

"Laughing at dead bodies?" you say? I assure you that she does it in a respectful manner while holding your interest the entire time. This is one book where, while you get to know things about the human body that may have been a mystery to you before and simultaneously get to know the author and realize how the whole book is dripping with her zany personality.

Even if you're a bit squeamish, I guarantee a great read! (If it's not, you can throw the book at me as hard as you'd like).